Terry G fires back at VeryDarkMan, defends celebrities over NDLEA’s cannabis crackdown

Nigerian singer Terry G has reignited a heated online debate after defending celebrities against social critic VeryDarkMan’s accusations of hypocrisy surrounding cannabis use and the NDLEA’s selective enforcement of drug laws.

The controversial artist, known for his eccentric style and candid outbursts, claimed that entertainers like himself, Wizkid, and Olamide smoke “responsibly” — unlike street users who, according to him, abuse the substance in unsafe environments.

The drama began after VeryDarkMan released a series of viral videos condemning the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for allegedly turning a blind eye to celebrity cannabis use while persecuting everyday Nigerians.

He cited numerous cases where “regular people” were raided, detained, or paraded for minor drug-related offenses, contrasting it with how musicians openly reference “Igbo” in their songs and social media posts without consequence.

Terry G’s response, shared in a live session, was equal parts defensive and dismissive. “We smoke responsibly, not like those on the streets,” he declared, adding that artists use cannabis “to get creative, not to misbehave.” His comments were accompanied by laughter from fans during the live broadcast, but the statement quickly went viral — not for its insight, but for the ridicule it attracted.

Online reactions were swift and unforgiving. Many users mocked Terry G’s attempt to position himself as a voice of reason, with one commenter writing, “From madness to mentorship? Old taker, rest abeg.” Another joked that his defense only proved VeryDarkMan’s point — that celebrities live under a different set of laws in Nigeria. The phrase “responsible smoker” began trending sarcastically on X (formerly Twitter), with memes depicting Terry G as the “Chairman of Responsible Smokers Association.”

While some fans agreed that NDLEA’s enforcement appears inconsistent, most criticized Terry G for trivializing a serious issue. Legal experts have also weighed in, noting that Nigeria’s drug laws make no distinction between recreational or “responsible” use — cannabis possession remains illegal under the NDLEA Act, punishable by imprisonment.

This exchange underscores a growing public frustration with class-based justice in Nigeria, where celebrities, politicians, and wealthy individuals appear immune to laws that regularly ensnare the poor. It also revives discussions around whether Nigeria should decriminalize or regulate marijuana, as several African countries, including South Africa and Ghana, have recently begun to do.

For now, Terry G’s defense may have reignited his presence in entertainment gossip circles, but it has also positioned him squarely at the center of a larger national conversation — one that goes far beyond music and into the heart of Nigeria’s double standards in law enforcement.

— Busterblog